Command of chemistry

Died: Dr Zarin Rustom Turel, 76, internationally reputed scientist and erstwhile head of Nuclear Chemistry Division at The Institute of Science (TIS); on April 20, 2017 in Lucknow following cardiorespiratory failure.
Founder member of the International Nuclear Chemistry Society where she represented India, and the International Association of Elementologists, she was on the panel of experts appointed by the International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna and had the opportunity to visit nuclear installations all over the world. Turel was twice elected vice president of the Indian Association of Nuclear Chemists and Allied Scientists and had even served as its joint secretary and joint treasurer, according to her life profile and 31-page bio data forwarded to Parsiana by a friend of the family, Adil Byramji of Lucknow.
Having spent the better part of her life doing research in radio and nuclear chemistry for peaceful purposes, in the field of medicine Turel applied her knowledge to track cancerous tissues; in agricultural studies, to determine the precise distance of plants and the depth of soil for optimum application of fertilizers; in geology, for the search of precious metals like platinum, etc. In fact the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) had funded her project "Propagating Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy on the Non DAE scene.”

Dr Zarin Turel: senior researcher

Having started her career as research assistant at the TIS on Madam Cama Road in Bombay, in the subsequent years she worked as research scholar at the National Bureau of Standards, USA, senior research fellow at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, scientific officer at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and research scholar of the Government of Maharashtra. For 32 years she taught radio and nuclear chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, structural chemistry, industrial chemistry, environmental chemistry to postgraduate students of the Bombay University and had even been conferred the Best Teacher Award by the University. In the last decade she was appointed adjunct professor of Chemistry at the Mithibai College. Having played a major role in setting up a new nuclear chemistry laboratory at TIS, which is considered to be one of the best outside BARC, her guidance was also sought for establishing nuclear chemistry laboratories at D. G. Ruparel College, Ramnarain Ruia College, K. C. College and R. D. National College.
A research guide for more than 24 years to 34 MSc and PhD students, she regretted that there was not a single Parsi student (see "Seminal scientist,” Parsiana, September 7, 2013). She had also served as dean of science studies for the Hyderabad (Sind) National Collegiate Board. As a visiting professor under the Indo-US exchange program, she carried out post-doctoral research at the University of Maryland, visited and lectured at Michigan and the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory at Berkley, USA.
"She seemed to have a tough, no nonsense demeanor but underneath lay a beautiful, sensitive woman. She was the epitome of unflagging stamina and unwavering focus. The myriad educational degrees only made her more humble and grounded,” appreciated businesswoman Farah Shroff who had interacted with Turel when her daughter sought a change of education streams but was late in her college applications. Turel readily used her contacts with her former students who were occupying senior positions in colleges to procure a seat for the collegian.
Chairperson at various national and international conferences and symposia, she was reputed for being an excellent coordinator for scientific events and had been invited to hold and manage worldwide meets. Besides giving talks in different countries, she had to her credit over 200 published papers.
Six years ago the Biographical Society of Great Britain declared Turel International Scientist of the Year — 2011. The following year the Association of Chemistry Teachers and Tata Chemicals presented her a Lifetime Achievement Award. Turel was reportedly the only woman and only Parsi on the Roll of Honor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi and had been conferred the Silver Jubilee Oration Award.
Among the Zoroastrian institutions to honor her accomplishments was The Federation of the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India that had recognized her contribution in the field of education, research, science and technology in 1986. In 2003, the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce had conferred on her the "Outstanding Zarathushti Professional” award. When she was presented the Zonta Club of Bombay III Woman of the Year trophy in 2005, Turel had remarked, "I dedicate this award, as I have dedicated all my previous awards, to my mother, your mother, our mother India.”
Born in Sholapur to the Doctor family, she had studied at St Xavier’s School in Ahmedabad and subsequently completed her BSc and MSc from the School of Sciences, Gujarat University. Her father’s transfer brought the family to Bombay where she started work as a research assistant in chemistry at TIS. She then studied for her PhD in radio and nuclear chemistry under the guidance of Dr B. C. Haldar. For her postdoctoral degree Turel went to the University of Maryland, USA, where her area of study was instrumental neutron activation analysis. She also earned a DSc in atomic energy, the highest honor conferred by the Bombay University.
A nature lover and a voracious reader, Turel took an interest in astrology. She even assisted with blood donation drives and helped procure rare blood for patients in need. "As a practicing Zoroastrian, it has always been my endeavor in life to follow the preachings of our Prophet — good thoughts, good words and good deeds which summarize the philosophy of life and our religion,” Turel had earlier conveyed. When Parsiana requested her husband, Dr Rustom, a neuro chemist, to share with us her views on the Parsi community and her practice of the Zoroastrian faith, he responded, "She was an international scientist. Religion is personal.” Their daughter Dr Kismet Sagar who is a director in the Information and Broadcasting Ministry was busy with a training program in Hyderabad and unable to respond to Parsiana queries. Son Cherag resides abroad.